At Berge & Berge, we combine experience with education. To fully assist you with your estate planning services, managing partner Jim Berge (pronounced burr-ghee) has over 25 years of experience as an attorney, a master’s degree in tax law and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California. Jim has beloved relatives who suffer from dementia and are physically disabled due to aging; he has compassion and empathy for your situation.
Through his years in estate planning practice and tax return preparation, as well as his own personal family journey, Jim has gained tremendous insight into the emotional and financial situation with which you come to his San Jose office. He goes beyond the theoretical to real-world experience to make sure your wishes are made clear and any potential conflict is avoided.
Berge & Berge Client And Community Impact
We provide both foresight and sensitivity to your needs as you deal with older parents or are just starting out. We plan with flexibility — using a combination of accounting and the law, we can help you prepare for changes in your health, family and financial situation, as well as changes in the law.
Jim Berge believes in being actively involved with his clients as well as with his son, an aerospace engineer, and daughter, who is interested in cognitive science. He has served his community as a Cub Scouts leader, a mentor for a high school robotics team and a trustee serving on the board of trustees at his church.
Associate attorney Ryan Stillwell is an engaged listener who is patient and approachable. He can assist you with drafting a simple will or developing a complex trust. You have questions; Ryan has answers. He will break down the technical aspects of estate planning to make the process more understandable.
Ryan brings an energetic, fresh perspective to planning. He works to ensure that each client gets the peace of mind they seek and the assurance that their affairs are in order. He strives to provide the best possible outcome for every client and their loved ones and will guide you through wealth preservation and simplifying matters for your successors. He can also help you understand personal, legal, tax and financial decisions in estate planning.
Ryan is an avid runner, reader, sports fan and traveler, and will be married in 2019.
